TOMS shoes

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Questions as they relate to marketing:

a. Describe the attributes of TOMS shoes products or service in detail.
TOMS shoes has several attributes that makes them unique. The first fact is that whenever a customer buys a shoe, she knows that for every pair she purchases, one pair will be given to indigent children free. So, included in the purchase of TOMS shoes is a strong element of social consciousness, selflessness and charity. Another attribute is that TOMS shoes are environmentally friendly shoes. The material that is used by TOMS shoes is such that it is environmentally friendly. In addition, a powerful attribute was added to the shoes by TOMS. The shoes only use vegetarian material. In short the company does not use leather in making its shoes. Other attributes are that the shoes are targeted at the younger, fun loving segment and casual footwear segment.

b. Describe the pace at which TOMS will move through the product life cycle and the factors that will impact its movement. How will the product life cycle impact the marketing of TOMS shoes products or service?
TOMS vegan shoes will move through the introduction and growth stage of the product life cycle in about one year's time, the vegan shoes will remain in the maturity stage for six months and in the decline stage for another six months. This will be the progress of TOMS vegan shoes. The factors that will impact the movement through these stages will be the communication techniques used by TOMS, the speed at which competitors enter the market with similar products and the actual performance/finishing of the vegan shoes. During the first six months, TQM will aim its promotions at building an awareness ...